Taskin learns cutters from Mashrafe

Trying to learn some new tricks to bolster his arsenal, Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed turned to former captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza to guide him.

Before leaving for Oman, Taskin asked Mashrafe to come and demonstrate some grips for slower deliveries, and the former captain came to the Sher-e-Bangla cricket stadium grounds to teach him on Thursday.

Taskin, who has improved a lot on his line and length besides pace in recent times, was trying to add some variety to his bowling with the change of pace that he learned from Mashrafe.

“I told him to spare some time for me because I am improving my pace and swing but lacking in slower deliveries. I want to get better at that, so I asked for his help, and he came. He showed me some grips. I liked the grips for cutters most. I hope these add something in my bowling,” Taskin told the media.

Taskin once lost his place in the national team and eventually lost the national contract, but under the guidance of Ottis Gibson, he is improving nicely.

“I am not going to compromise my pace. I can’t be another Mustafiz (ur Rahman). He is the cutter-master. I just want to add an effective slower to my arsenal,” the pacer told reporters.

“My strength is pace and bounce. If I can add this (slower) to my bowling, it could be a good option. If I can learn it, I think that will be good for me,” he added.

Taskin also said that he will not try to bowl cutters like Mustafiz as he hasn’t mastered the art.

“I can’t bowl cutters like Mustafiz. But if I can add some better cutters with my pace and swing, that could be a good weapon,” said Taskin.